[gohrt]

> You can't be your own judge and executioner.

This is what government IS! Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary.

States have some subservience to the Federal government, as well.

The question really is "should the judiciary have power over the executive in this case, or should the executive or legistlature decide what compensation is appropriate." It's still "government" either way.

And let us remember which branch of government was the original villain in this case!